Best smart home devices of the year: the perfect gifts this holiday season

Our top picks

(NEW YORK, NY) — With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to show off your gift-giving skills. And let’s face it, smart homes are taking over! So, forget about the gift cards and return the socks because we’ve compiled the best smart home devices of the year!

Amazon Echo (2nd Edition)

Amazon Echo 2nd Generation

This hands-free speaker device is controlled by your voice! Play music, set alarms, make to-do lists, asks questions, check the weather, make calls, send messages—need we say more?

Smart home lighting—brilliant! These bulbs allow you to control the intensity and color of your lights with your voice! Wake up for work every morning to a calming pink or an energized green. Your wish is Phillips Hue’s command.

Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation)

Nest Thermostat 3rd GenerationCredit: Hip2Save.com

Before you roll your eyes and convince yourself the thermostat on your wall is good enough, let’s run through the perks of Nest.

If you like the temperature a bit higher when you sleep, and you have a regular bedtime, Nest will learn to adjust the temperature to your liking.

Do you dread sitting on the couch and feeling cold? Adjust the temperate with your phone—you won’t have to move an inch!

Now, if those sales pitches weren’t enough, the appearance will definitely convince you. Say goodbye to the hard-to-read thermostats that you stub your toe trying to find in the middle of the night. Get this, Nest is easy to read, aesthetically pleasing, and lights up when it senses motion! We know, it is genius.

iRobot Roomba 980

iRobot Roomba 980Credit: Evan Ackerman/IEEE Spectrum

We’re not going to spend much time on this one. Who wouldn’t want help cleaning? Sit back and relax while Roomba 980 makes its way around your home, cleaning up unwanted guests. Not only will Roomba 980 navigate from room to room, but it will also recharge itself when needed until the job is complete! (Don’t worry it cleans carpet too)

Amazon Cloud Cam

Amazon Cloud CamCredit: Cnet.com

This indoor security camera is known to be among the best on the market. Manage all cameras through the Cloud Cam App and monitor your home even when you’re miles away. With this device, you can keep an eye on your pets and call their name through the camera.